Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, "The seizure of crack cocaine in Dublin last night
and the arrest of two suspects is a cause for grave concern.

This establishment of this drug in Ireland would represent the
absolute worst-case scenario in terms of the devastating impact it would
have onccommunities throughout the country.

"This is a very serious and sinister development, especially coming as it
does in the aftermath of a European report that reveals that Ireland now
has the second highest rate of cocaine use in Europe. It is a problem we
identified in our submission to the national drugs strategy mid-term
review.

"There is an urgent need for the Minister of State with responsibility for
the National Drug Strategy to report on Government plans to combat the
establishment of a crack cocaine culture in Dublin City."

Deputy Ó Snodaigh raised the matter in the Dáil this morning during Order
of Business. ENDS